More than 300 cooperative members from all over Cebu were assured of the provincial government’s support in a gathering at the Capitol Social Hall Wednesday last week.
Gov. Hilario Davide III, in an inspirational message at the start of the program, said he was grateful that the cooperatives chose to partner with the provincial government.
“Let me assure you. For as long as we are here at the Capitol, we will remain 100 percent supportive of all cooperatives in the province of Cebu,” he said in his speech.
The event, organized by the Cooperative Development Authority and Cebu provincial government, aimed to update its members on the process of accreditation with the Provincial Board (PB).
The PB committee on co-op accreditation is headed by PB Member Sun Shimura.
Davide encouraged the co-op members present to have their cooperatives accredited by the PB to avail of financial assistance from the Capitol.
At present, there are more than 700 registered co-ops with more than 250,000 members in Cebu, including Cebu City.
“This makes cooperatives a very potent force. Your hard work is important for the development of all,” said Davide.
He called the cooperatives “gifts to mankind” because of their “noble cause and aspirations.”
The Cebu provincial government, under Davide’s administration, encapsulates its vision for inclusive growth through its motto, “Kalambuan sa Matag Sugbuanon.”
Governor Davide enjoined the cooperatives to be part of that vision.
“I know for a fact that co-ops have greatly contributed to the development, not only of its members, but those outside their groups as well,” the governor said.
In an interview, Davide cited how the Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LMC) in Pinamungajan, southwest Cebu, has done the same.
What started out as a group of 70 rural farmers and P3,500 in contributions has now become an amazing cooperative with almost P1-billion worth of assets and at least 54,000 members.
The Hidden Valley Resort in Pinamungajan is owned by the LMC.
Davide said that this venture doesn’t only generate jobs for those living in the area but also brings in income to the province.
“Cooperatives empower its members, cooperatives create wealth. Those who are in cooperatives are effective partners in governance,” Davide said.
Davide likened the cooperative to a family, saying that it will not grow without cooperation from all of its members.
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